Pubs face demolition to make way for council housing

Members of the Lewsey Farm Community Action group outside the Roman Way pub in June 2014

Luton Borough Council purchased The Parrot, Farley Hill, and The Roman Way, Lewsey Farm, for a combined price of £850,000 after both pubs ceased trading.

In a statement the council has told the Herald & Post that it did so as part of its “commitment to do everything possible to alleviate the ongoing housing crisis.”

Under current plans a block of 14 flats and three bungalows will be built on the Roman Way site.

The bungalows will “meet demand for safe and secure accommodation for families with special needs,” LBC said.

Though plans for The Parrot appear further off, the Herald & Post understands that through a partner LBC intends to use the site for a medical centre and flats for the elderly.

The Roman Way hit the headlines in June 2014, when squatters decided to occupy the pub after the departure of its landlord.

The squatters, who called themselves the Lewsey Farm Community Action Group, claimed they took control of the site to retain it on behalf of regular patrons.

However their plans to run it as a ‘community pub’ failed and owner Enterprise Inns struck a deal with LBC.